67th SOS airmen recognized as Air Force's best

Published Nov. 18, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Airmen from the 67th Special Operations Squadron were recently recognized as the best air refueling crew and best airlift crew in the U.S. Air Force at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Jenkins, 67th SOS MC-130P Combat Shadow pilot, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric Kleser, 67th SOS MC-130P Combat Shadow flight engineer, received the 2012 Brigadier General Ross Hoyt Award on behalf of their crew. The award is presented to the best air refueling crew in the U.S. Air Force.

"The (67th SOS) Night Owls have been awarded the Hoyt Award five times now," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Peak, 67th SOS commander, acknowledging the unit received the award in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012. "This track record speaks volumes to the pride, dedication and professionalism of our Airmen."

Jenkins and Kleser weren't the only 67th SOS aircrew members recognized at the exposition.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Taylor, 67th SOS MC-130P Combat Shadow pilot, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Schoettlin, 67th SOS MC-130P Combat Shadow loadmaster, received the 2012 General William H. Tunner Award on behalf of their crew. The award recognizes the best airlift crew in the U.S. Air Force.

"Being awarded the Tunner Award is also a huge honor," Peak said. "The airdrop mission that was awarded was an outstanding example of a crew working together, working through the fog and friction of war to get the airdrop off and supplies to the special operations forces team on the ground that was engaged with the enemy.

"It's an honor for our squadron members to be recognized at the Air Force-level for their efforts. The crews that have received the awards are truly deserving and humble," he continued. "These awards are crew or team awards that not only recognize the individuals involved on that particular mission, but it is recognition to the entire 67th SOS for their continued dedication and excellence every day. These awards also pay tribute to the entire 352nd Special Operations Group. We are a tremendous team, and without our teammates we could not continue to train and fly daily to hone our skills."

Despite being recognized the hard work continues.

"I always tell the squadron, we are only as good as our last mission," the commander said. "The awards and accolades are fantastic, but at the end of the day, we are only as good as our last airdrop, landing and refueling.

"That's why we always strive to be the best every day, on every training sortie and every combat mission," Peak added.

The crew members recognized for the 2012 General William H. Tunner Award:

U.S. Air Force Maj. Rick Hollinger, MC-130P pilot
U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Taylor, MC-130P pilot
U.S. Air Force Maj. Don Aspden, MC-130P navigator
U.S. Air Force Capt. Ben Smith, MC-130P navigator
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Gleason, MC-130P flight engineer
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Schoettlin, MC-130P loadmaster
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dan Cermeli, MC-130P loadmaster
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Erik Peterson, MC-130P radio operator

The crew members recognized for the 2012 Brigadier General Ross Hoyt Award:

U.S. Air Force Maj. Dave Jeltema, MC-130P pilot
U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Jenkins, MC-130P pilot
U.S. Air Force Capt. Briana Thompson, MC-130P navigator
U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex DuFault, MC-130P navigator
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric Kleser, MC-130P flight engineer
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ray Beasley, MC-130P loadmaster
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nate Bennett, MC-130P loadmaster
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Underwood, MC-130P radio operator

67th SOS Airmen recognized as Air Force's best